Radioactive Particles in Drinking Water

The following information comes from the EPA's website and talks about radionuclides (or radioactive particles). It tells you that drinking water contaminated with radioactive particles increases your risk of cancer but it doesn't tell you how these radioactive particles get into your drinking water - so I will.

Radioactive particles get into your drinking water from leaks, spills and dumping by nuclear power plants. Sometimes the release of contaminated water is accidental and sometimes it's intentional (and allowed by the government). See the article Nuclear Plant Spills Radioactive Wastes for one instance of radioactive material being released. This spill was reported on March 7, 2006 in Illinois.

Uranium (listed below as Combined Radium 226/228) and radon gas that is produced by the radioactive decay of uranium is found naturally in the soil and is a naturally occuring contaminant of drinking water.

EPA Ground Water & Drinking Water: Radionuclides

Alpha emitters. Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Beta/photon emitters. Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation. Some people who drink water containing beta and photon emitters in excess of EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Combined Radium 226/228. Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Radon gas can dissolve and accumulate in underground water sources, such as wells, and in the air in your home. Breathing radon can cause lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon presents a risk of developing cancer. Radon in air is more dangerous than radon in water.
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